Roberto Martinez likely to face FA action over Old Trafford rant

Roberto Martinez can expect a call from the FA after lambasting referee Michael Oliver and claiming Danny Welbeck and Paul Scholes should both have been sent off.

The Wigan manager called on Premier League bosses to restrict Old Trafford games to referees at the top end of the age scale after appearing to suggest 27-year-old Oliver applied different rules to his side and 4-0 winners Manchester United.

In a furious outburst that is sure to be scrutinised by FA disciplinary chiefs, an irate Martinez also accused Welbeck of hoodwinking Oliver for the fourth-minute penalty conceded by Ali Al-Habsi.

Dubious decision: Welbeck takes a tumble as Al Habsi pulls out of his challenge

The Wigan keeper redeemed himself with a comfortable save from Javi Hernandez’s weakly-struck kick, but that was little consolation to Martinez, as he fumed: 'If you are involved in football, and you look at the replay, you can see exactly what Welbeck is trying to do. He dived, and I was really annoyed to see the referee point to the spot.

'It was shocking, as bad a decision as you are ever likely to see in the Barclays Premier League.

'Michael Oliver is a very capable referee, who has been outstanding in many big games, but it was clear from the opening minutes that he was not going to measure both teams the same way.

Furious: Martinez (above) was not happy with Michael Oliver (below)

'There were a couple of tackles by United players which, if they had been the other way round, would have been red cards.

'In that last challenge by Welbeck, he had his foot over the ball as he went in on Franco Di Santo. It was completely reckless and dangerous, and under the current regulations, it should be a red card, whether you play for Wigan, Manchester United or anyone else.

'We had a player sent off here last season, and it was rescinded straightaway. Two seasons ago, we had two players sent off. Now this.

'I just feel it is a difficult place for referees. They need to be strong, and they need to be very, very experienced. They need to know how to handle the occasion. It’s not about handling the game here, it’s the occasion.

'Welbeck should have been shown a straight red, and Paul Scholes had two bad challenges that were worthy of yellow cards.

'We had James McArthur booked for something very similar, yet Scholes got away with both. I cannot understand how those same challenges can be judged in different ways.'